Enter: Swamp Thing – Comics Cover Price

Let’s not beat around the bush, comics are getting expensive. With so many new issues, epic sagas, and never-ending disasters, my wallet can only take so much. Cover Price is a weekly comic review with the set budget of $15. I mostly pick my choices based on cover, price, and hype. Which company suckered me into buying their issues this week? Were the issues I picked up worth the $15 cut? Were the issues you picked up worth your money?

4/22/15 C.C.P. Reviews:

Convergence #3 – $3.99

Convergence Swamp Thing #1 – $3.99

Star Wars #4 – $3.99

Chew #48 – $2.99

Convergence #3

Writer: Jeff King | Artists: Stephen Segovia, Jason Paz

Convergence is quickly becoming one of those events I just read for the sake of reading or in hopes that something major will happen. Jeff King’s story is mildly enjoyable, but ultimately feels unnecessary. By choosing to focus on the Earth-2 heroes, I don’t feel any dire sense of emergency or universe-breaking consequences. Where are the new 52 heroes? Where is the “main” DC multiverse characters and why haven’t they done anything? Stephen Segovia joins the art in this week’s Convergence and he does a great job. I barely noticed the difference between Carlo Pagulayan and Stephen Segovia. It was a really good transition, especially since Jason Paz continues to do an excellent job as well. Unfortunately, not much happens in this issue that allows for any incredibly memorable page, especially since the landscape of Telos’ world is so boring. Convergence 3 is, overall, just okay. If you’re not into the event by now, then you won’t be missing out by leaving this issue on the shelves.

Convergence Swamp Thing #1

Writer: Len Wein | Artist: Kelley Jones

With so many Convergence tie-ins, Swamp Thing manages to feel different. If you’re not already looking at this issue because of the 2 major names attached to this comic, then maybe I can change your mind. Swamp Thing has always been a comic that feels detached from the rest of the DC Universe, and this issue is no different (which is a good thing). Most of the Convergence issues follow the multiverse heroes after the events of Convergence #1. Surprisingly, Swamp Thing takes place in the year before Convergence #1. Len Wein frames a nice recap of who this Swamp Thing is (which is fantastic, because I know very little about Swamp Thing). From this recap, Wein’s plot is mainly all about Swamp Thing and introduces none of the other multiverse characters. I really appreciate this because Wein is ultimately writing a Swamp Thing story and not an event tie-in. At the same time, this can be a weakness because the plot is all what happens when Swamp Thing is detached from the Green and the plot has very little action. If Convergence Swamp Thing is only 2 issues, I really wish more happened. Kelley Jones (artist for Sandman) needs no introduction or review of his work. It’s beautiful, scary, and perfect for Swamp Thing. This comic is worth picking up and may be one of the most interesting Convergence tie-ins. At the very least, this book is worth a look-through because of Jones’ art.

Star Wars #4

Writer: Jason Aaron | Artist: John Cassaday

All Star Wars films have moments of dialogue, rest, and reflection before the next action sequence. For example, after the intro of The Empire Strikes Back, Luke heads to Dagobah while Han and the crew head to Cloud City. Star Wars #4 is very much the epilogue of the first arc as well as the beginning of the next. It’s an issue of reflection after so much excitement and action. Tying in seamlessly to Darth Vader #1, Jason Aaron focuses the plot of this issue to revolve around character development. Luke feels hopelessly lost without Kenobi, while Vader’s curiosity about Luke strengthens tenfold. John Cassaday’s art is more refined and detailed this issue, focusing heavily on character expressions. There were moments in this issue where I swore I was looking at Mark Hamill, straight from the film. As this marks the end of the first arc, I believe that Marvel’s return to Star Wars comics has been highly successful. Using the film as a foundation, Jason Aaron likes to include small Easter eggs to reward long-time fans, but not to the point of annoyance. As such, even beyond nostalgia, I’m still very interested in the current story this creative team is crafting. Star Wars #4 may not have as much action, but still continues to be a buy. It’s a great time to be a Star Wars fan.

Chew #48

Writer: John Layman | Artist: Rob Guillory

There is a level of crazy, a level of Chew crazy, and then, apparently, there’s a level of crazy beyond that. Chew #48 reaches that level of crazy. You don’t buy a Chew comic unless you want a crazy, hilarious, oddly-dark, story. John Layman really must have a wild imagination, because you can never predict what’s going to happen in Chew. Rob Guillory continues to draw many small details/jokes into each panel which requires a close reading. His art style equally matches the level of crazy Layman dishes out. If you haven’t started reading Chew, I highly recommend you start, but not with Chew #48. For those who have read Chew, this issue is enjoyable. It’s mostly plot development with the typical introduction of a new food-related power. This issue is mainly gearing up for the final arc when the series ends with Chew #60. I recommend flipping through the comic before you buy.

Panel of the Week:

I think Vader would agree.

There are many, many more books released by DC and Marvel this week. I wish I could read them all but my wallet can only take so much. What did you read this week? Which issues would you put on your $15 budget this week? Remember to read and buy what you want and support your favorite writers and artists!

Derek is comic book fan like none other. You can follow him on Twitter.